Dealing with Overstimulation in Romance for Those on the Spectrum

Learn tools to manage sensory overwhelm and build healthier, more comfortable connections Dealing with Overstimulation in Romance for Those on the Spectrum is a class designed to support autistic and neurodivergent individuals who may find romantic and intimate situations overwhelming. Many people on the spectrum experience sensory sensitivities, where physical touch, emotional intensity, or even the pace of a relationship can trigger overstimulation. This class will create a safe, supportive environment to talk openly about these challenges without judgment and learn practical tools for navigating them. Through guided discussion and experiential exercises, we’ll explore how to recognize early signs of sensory overload, communicate boundaries clearly, and create space for regulation without losing connection. We’ll also practice techniques to ground the body, self-soothe the nervous system, and negotiate intimacy in ways that honor comfort and consent. The class emphasizes communication strategies that help partners better understand and respond with compassion, patience, and flexibility. Participants will leave with a toolbox of strategies to manage overstimulation while still fostering closeness, trust, and pleasure in their relationships. Whether you are currently in a partnership, seeking one, or simply curious about how romance intersects with neurodivergence, this class will provide insight, support, and community. Above all, it affirms that romance and intimacy are absolutely possible for those on the spectrum—just in ways that respect and embrace your unique sensory needs. About the Instructor: Fawn O’Breitzman has been a college professor for over 20 years. She specializes in issues of Sex and Gender and presents at conferences all around the country. She does inclusion training for businesses and has worked with everyone from hospitals to construction yards to help companies make sure they are providing the best and most respectful care to their clients. She has been a social worker, therapist, and a professor. She has been married to a neurodivergent gender queer person for 25 years and understands the need to be concrete and straight-forward when discussing topics of human behavior! This class is appropriate for adults and teens.